Caracal, Romania

Caracal Main Square

Two months ago, I had the opportunity to travel to Romania with my husband. Although it was a brief trip, I took full advantage of my time and explored the small town of Caracal, located three hours from Bucharest. The town was adorned with beautiful historical buildings and churches, and the locals were incredibly friendly. I discovered a quaint market square filled with a variety of vendors, where I quickly picked up a few words to aid in communication. The food was delightful and satisfying, and the experience of bargaining for items felt reminiscent of my shopping experiences back home in the Philippines.

While in the market, I encountered several older women sitting outside a store, selling their buckets of flowers. These were not the conventional floral arrangements one might find at a local shop; instead, they were vibrant bouquets of wildflowers, handpicked and meticulously tied together by these remarkable women striving to make a living. Their positive energy resonated with me as I browsed. Like the wildflowers they offered, their resilience was apparent, reflecting nature's desire to provide for them. They creatively transformed simple wildflowers into beautiful bouquets, embodying their strength and resourcefulness.